Belgium(sp) vs. Japanese Browning's
- Thread starter luftmech
- Start date
The difference is between old world craftsmanship, overseen by master gunsmiths who did the same job that their fathers and grandfathers did before them as opposed to a modern, CNC manufacturing facility on the opposite side of the world. Both are shooters, but only one approaches the pinnacle of the gunmakers art. I've owned, used and handled Brownings where the wood to metal fit was so close you couldn't tell where one ended and the other began. You also got beautifully figured wood, handcut checkering (older guns) and beautifully finished metal. That's why Belgium made Brownings will always have greater value and collector interest. Japanese made guns are typically well made, sturdy firearms, but they "lack" that certain something older Browning's had.
I think you hit on it in your post. The Belgian guns were made by people who understand guns and shooting. For the Japanese it's just another CNC product. There's no gun history, no tradition and it's most likely the people making them have never shot a gun. They could be making auto parts for all they care. In a reverse situation, it's why there is an indescribable something about a high quality Japanese blade that is hard to find when they are made in a place without the same blade-making tradition.X-man said:
From a functional standpoint however, the Japanese shotguns have the capacity to handle steel shot (when choked properly) where the Belgium guns cannot, regardless of chokes. You also need to be aware of the issues the Belgium Brownings had with their salt cured stocks in the late 1960s.
The Belgium stuff is, without a doubt quality, but you will not hear of many Miroku Brownings not standing up either.
The Belgium stuff is, without a doubt quality, but you will not hear of many Miroku Brownings not standing up either.
- Location
- Winnipeg, Mb
Bowie said:
I am curious as to the background regarding the Belgium Browning and the gun not handling steel shot. Please tell me more.
I own an Auto 5, Light 12, Browning made in Belgium, my Father owns the same gun as well as one of the other hunters in our group. We all shoot steel shot out of them in a modified choke with good results. I am unsure why you claim that you cannot shoot steel out of a Belgium Browning. The three of us have had good results with no problems. I have tested the shot pattern from my gun with steel shot and all seems OK to us.
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kaupontenkak said:
Here's what Browning has to say on the subject.
http://www.browning.com/faq/detail.asp?ID=128
I have herad the old "belgian vs Japanese debate many times. I don't really see a difference. My 2 year old Browning Gold (semi auto 12) is Belgian made (assembled in portugal) It is a beauty and i have had ZERO issues with it.
My Citori is Japanese mad and in my opinion is a work of art, as described above, there are metal to metal contact points that disappear when the action is closed. I have no issues with either gun.
I also owned a Japanese made .22 Semi auto takedown it was also top quality.
My Former Browning High Power was Canadian made and also a nice gun.
My Citori is Japanese mad and in my opinion is a work of art, as described above, there are metal to metal contact points that disappear when the action is closed. I have no issues with either gun.
I also owned a Japanese made .22 Semi auto takedown it was also top quality.
My Former Browning High Power was Canadian made and also a nice gun.
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- Location
- Ft. Mac. Alberta
One's made in Eurrope and one ins made in Japan.
The Japanese rifles are well built, and the biggest difference is Nastalgia for all I can see.
I've owned and shot and still do onw a mess of highwalls from italy and Japan, and like them.
It is the same for any O.E.M. manufacured firearm IMHO.
The Anschutz rifles bring a much higher price than the rifles than C.I.L. rifles for example, yet they are the same .....
Cat
The Japanese rifles are well built, and the biggest difference is Nastalgia for all I can see.
I've owned and shot and still do onw a mess of highwalls from italy and Japan, and like them.
It is the same for any O.E.M. manufacured firearm IMHO.
The Anschutz rifles bring a much higher price than the rifles than C.I.L. rifles for example, yet they are the same .....
Cat
- Location
- Winnipeg, Mb
Thanks for the Link Claybuster. I had no idea that this was an issue. I will look to see if my barrel has this "ring bulge " to it. Do you think that they refering to using a Full Choke on the old guns? Mine is slightly more that modified I believe. Do you guys think that the bulge will get bigger or it will stop at .005". Browning has siad that it is still safe but a bulge is a bulge and that can't be good, can it?
X-man said:
I would agree - my (jap) browning 1886 45/70 has been nothing but a PITA, in the shop more than in the field. But my browning 78 (Belgium), which is almost 20 years older, is still going strong. But then I also dont drive a Rice Rocket, so I guess I'm just prejudiced!
From their site I believe they are referring to all barrels regardless of choke. Once it has the ring bulge I doubt it will get larger but can't be certain.kaupontenkak said:
If your barrel is not showing any damage your options would be to get a replacement barrel for your A5 or start using Kent Tungsten Matrix which is compatable with non-steel proofed barrels.
I have a mod choke (factory) in my Browning FN Double Auto and I shoot steel thru it with no trouble or rings....oh and it is "for trade" on the xchange if you wanna try it for yourself in case you dont believe me.........
The more Brownings I see that were made in Japan, the more I like my Belgium made rifles. The difference is night and day. There are lots of Japanese Brownings that shoot pretty good ; I have 3 Belgium Brownings and they all shoot 1/2" groups. The only down side to the old Brownings is they didn't come in stainless steel and laminate stocks.
